Addressing the aspirations and grievances of all communities, as well as finding a lasting political solution, is essential for long-term development in the wake of the end of the long-running conflict between Sri Lankan troops and separatist rebels, according to a joint statement issued by the Government of the South Asian nation and the United Nations.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, wrapped up his visit during which he met with top officials and others, visited camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and flew over the former conflict zone to the country yesterday.()

His mission to Sri Lanka sought to promote progress in three key areas: immediate humanitarian relief reintegration and reconstruction and an equitable political solution.

In the joint statement also issued yesterday, Mr. Rajapaksa and Mr. Ban agreed that following last week's end of military operations against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the country has entered a new post-conflict phase and faces many obstacles relating to relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation.

hile addressing these critical issues, it was agreed that the new situation offered opportunities for long-term development of the North and for re-establishing democratic institutions and electoral politics after 2 decades, it said, noting that the Government has committed to empower the people of the north, where fighting raged, both economically and politically.()

he Government should undertake certain confidence-building measures to clearly and unmistakably signal its good intentions in addressing root causes of Tamil and Muslim grievances, Mr. Ban told reporters yesterday.()